Brett Younger, associate professor of preaching at Mercer’s University McAfee School of Theology, has been named senior pastor of the historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. Younger, 55, takes over June 1 as pastor of the Congregational church founded in…
Opponents see indicators that death penalty on its way out in U.S.
Melissa Browning was drawn deep into the anti-death penalty movement when the state of Georgia was trying to kill Kelly Gissendaner last year. There were plenty of ups, including multiple delays in her execution date. And there were downs, too,…
Despite decline, religiously affiliated remain devoted, says survey
By Jeff Brumley While the number of Americans who profess faith is in steady decline, there is evidence suggesting a steady devotion among those who remain religiously affiliated, new research shows. “Among the roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults who do claim…
Despite decline, religiously affiliated remain devoted, says survey
The Pew Research Center says that while religious affiliation continues to decline, dedication remains strong among those who are affiliated with religious groups. But those who coach and lead congregations say declining attendance remains a troubling trend. While the number…
McAfee appoints new dean
By Bob Allen Jeffrey Willetts, founding dean and former vice president at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, Va., has been named dean of Mercer University’s James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology. Willetts, currently professor of…
Remembering John Claypool on the 10th anniversary of his death
I have been told that long before I stepped foot on the campus of Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology the issue of what students ought to call professors was addressed at a staff meeting. At a relatively small school…
Rob Nash named interim dean at McAfee
By Bob Allen Mercer University’s James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology announced June 25 the appointment of an interim dean to take over when founding dean Alan Culpepper steps down July 1. Rob Nash, a professor of missions and…
Religions converge at Mercer’s new interfaith prayer garden
By Jeff Brumley Those dismissive of interfaith ministry and outreach as purely symbolic efforts may have reconsidered during a prayer garden dedication at Mercer University on Thursday. Scores gathered on a shady corner of the school’s Atlanta campus to celebrate…
Longtime McAfee professor announces retirement
By Bob Allen Peter Rhea Jones, a New Testament scholar and pastor known for his lifelong study of the parables, has announced plans to retire from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology at the end of July. Jones, the J….
McAfee students report transformed lives — their own — in teaching prisoners
By Jeff Brumley It’s been hard for some to fathom how a condemned prisoner earned a certificate in theology while on Georgia’s death row. Even one of those who taught Kelly Gissendaner says it’s amazing that she could write papers…
Some Americans feel ‘cold’ toward Muslims and Mormons, survey says
By Jeff Brumley Few were surprised by a Pew Research Center survey finding that Republicans hold more negative views about Muslims than Democrats do. But the poll — along with recent anti-Muslim protests in Texas — reconfirmed for some observers that it’s…
Finding the Christian response in the death of a congregation
By Jeff Brumley The death of a church isn’t an easy subject, particularly to those who are losing their spiritual home. But it is something being talked about more and more as church closings are becoming an increasingly regular occurrence…